Commentary

In May 2013, Gov. Jan Brewer signed House Bill 2136, sponsored by Rep. Bob Robson, authorizing the construction of a statewide memorial on Wesley Bolin Plaza to commemorate the loss of 104 firefighters and paramedics in Arizona since 1902. A polished black granite wall will surround most of the site with firefighter names, dates and departments engraved in its slanted top.

Forbes recently released its 2014 list of the world’s most innovative companies, and once again, the lineup is impressive.
Whether or not you agree with the selections, the impact these companies are having — sometimes on entire industries — is undeniable.

Increased awareness of water scarcity at a global scale has driven efforts to establish a common definition of water’s value. Calls to price water based on its “real value” encounter the problem that there exists no generally accepted formula to determine such a value.

For months, we heard the resounding warnings about how new Environmental Protection Agency regulations aimed at power generation could affect Arizona consumers and businesses. Now that the agency’s proposal has officially been released, it is clear that these warnings were not in vain, for the guidelines EPA put forth will leave our state and our country on the brink of economic calamity.

The business community is united in its support for higher academic standards in Arizona’s education system so our graduates are prepared for a career or a higher educational opportunity. A strong education system is the foundation of a strong work force, which contributes to a strong economy.

This spring, as tragic reports surfaced of veterans dying while waiting for care at the Phoenix VA, I hosted a town hall forum at Burton Barr Central Library where the families of four veterans who passed away stood before a packed room to tell their stories.